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 Hikers FOUND!!! -- SAR on Whitney
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
This posted by SEKI SAR on High Sierra Topix today: Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:57 am
Inyo County SAR and SEKI SAR are currently conducting an Search & Rescue Operation on Mt. Whitney. SAR teams are searching for 3 male individuals aged in their mid-forties that summited Mt. Whitney late Monday evening. Last contact with the party was at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday via text msg from the summit hut requesting assistance. Clothing and equipment descriptions are unknown at this time. Any hikers who may have seen or come into contact with this party are requested to contact SEKI SAR Incident Command at 559 565-3117, 3118, 3119 or 559 565-3188, 3189.
Any assistance in this incident is greatly appreciated.
SEKI SAR
Last edited by Steve C; 10/21/10 12:31 PM. Reason: change subject line
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 660
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 660 |
Oh crap. God be with them.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 453 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 453 Likes: 1 |
Oh crap indeed...since Tuesday? God, I hope no one fell somewhere that's hard to spot.
Hope they got down, and just a little irresponsible by not informing the rangers that they made it out okay.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3 |
No, they are still up there. One of them is from my hometown. His cell phone is dead. Haven't heard from them since early Tuesday morning.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
I spoke with the SEKI public information person, and they should be passing along some more info pretty soon this evening.
The webcams show the summit is clear this evening, so I am hoping they can get someone up there.
Sawyer: What is your home town? Can you post any more info?
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511 |
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2 |
One post of interest on Summit Post:
To all,
I will check back periodically. Whitney Portal Trail. Regular trail route. This was a large party from Nebraska that split into 3 separate groups. 2 groups made it down. I cannot disclose full names at this time, but the missing 3 first names are Phil, Stephan, Dale.
Jim Gould
Park Ranger
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, CA.
Godspeed to the Phil, Stephan and Dale.
Last edited by Bulldog34; 10/20/10 07:20 PM. Reason: The original 2nd post deleted at SummitPost
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 567
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 567 |
Thoughts and prayers......
Bulldog, thanks for the info. A bit of clearing in the weather, but it will be cold tonight. Then snow at night for a few days. Anybody know if anybody went to the hut today? You'd think they would have stayed put. The experience level really scares me.
more thoughts and prayers.......
 "Turtles, Frogs & other Environmental Sculpture" www.quillansculpturegallery.comtwitter: @josephquillan If less is more, imagine how much more, more is -Frasier
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 453 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 453 Likes: 1 |
EDITED until further information comes out. Fingers crossed and prayers that the three gents are found okay.
Last edited by 2600fromatari; 10/20/10 09:13 PM.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2 |
Seems to be the season for this stuff. Wasn't it about this time last year that Wade Brunette disappeared on Whitney?
Logically, I suppose this transitional period of dry trails to snowy season would hold the greatest likelihood for people getting into trouble up there. By late November and December, the mountain is in deep winter conditions with an absolute certainty, and anyone attempting them would know the equipment, conditions, and skill level score well before getting in trouble up high. October probably sees people with all different skill levels and equipment trying the mountain, many of whom are not ready for a snow dump and a change of trail conditions from a bit snowy in places to almost-winter.
Really hope they're off the summit - the forecast for tonight is mid-teens and more snow.
Last edited by Bulldog34; 10/21/10 05:41 AM. Reason: Corrected to Wade, removed second SummitPost reference
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261 |
If that second post is accurate - and I stress the "if" - well, I think most of us probably share the same opinion of the "boss" . . .
...and until verified, could be classified as "speculation" "rumor" or "gossip"
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day. 
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,256 Likes: 2 |
Yeah Bee, I'm having doubts - the original post has been deleted from the SummitPost thread, so I deleted my reference to it. Wait and see.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261 |
Must bee careful of the stream of information that forms up under "stress". Before you know it, someone is pointing accusatory fingers at a potentially innocent person....posting names, pictures -- "I know who their boss is!" -- and lives are needlessly affected...*end of lecture*
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 660
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 660 |
Can't speculate or comment on hearsay information.
Gary the gentleman from last year, name was Wade.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 742
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 742 |
This is, by far, the most dangerous time of the year. Taking a trip up requires *judgment*. Getting into fresh snow may be a situation in which 1/4 mile an hour is a herculean effort. Snowshoes may not help. It may be colder than mid-winter. There is actual navigation, even on the main trail.
With three feet of fresh snow, I don't know if the switchback area is even climbable at all, right now.
I've advocated, for some time, that the USDA FS should allow guiding on the main trail during this, and spring. I don't know the details of what is going on with this group.
But I know that if a professional guide service were operating high on the mountain, that there would be options that don't exist now.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,253
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,253 |
I could not agree more with Ken when it comes to this time of the year being dangerous. As I have said, the most dangerous thing on the MMWT is you, not the cables, windows or weather. You are the one making all the decisions.
My guess guiding would be ok in the months of May and October. There is not a whole lot of pressure on permits in these months and, God, do we have a lot of hand wringing by noobs going this time of year.
With that said, I don't think many would pop $500 to walk up a benign trail...which is what this is most Octobers. Heck, I don't think many would pop $500, if the trail was full-on winter in October. It's still a stinking trail in most folks' minds.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
This came in at 9:42 PM -- News Release from SEKI: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
For Immediate Release: October 20, 2010
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone Number: (559) 565-3131
Search and Rescue in/around Mount Whitney
Inyo County and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently conducting a search and rescue operation in/around Mount Whitney. Teams are searching for three males that hiked to Mount Whitney late on Monday, October 18, in the evening. See the three attached flyers for specific information and photos of the missing parties. Any hikers who may have seen or come in contact with any of the individuals should call the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Incident Command Post at 559-565-3117.
Approximately 45 people have been assigned to the incident as of October 20. Search operations are being hampered by snowstorms with accumulations between 1-3 feet of new snow. Additional staff and a helicopter have been ordered in the hope that the weather will allow search operations to continue tomorrow.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
News release from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Oct 20, 2010  Missing Person Name: Phillip Michael Abraham Height: 5' 6" Weight: 145 lbs. Age: 34 years old Hair: Black hair Eyes: Brown Race: Caucasian Clothing: Last seen wearing gray and black jacket, khaki pants, headlamp, glasses, black stocking cap Backpack: Black backpack Tent & Sleeping Bag: Unknown if carrying. Relevant Information: Hiking with two other individuals. Intended Itinerary: Phillip Michael Abraham and his party intended to hike to Mount Whitney on 10/18/2010. The group departed the trailhead at 4:00 a.m. and planned to return the same evening. Have You Seen This Man or Have You Been in the Mount Whitney Area since 10/18/10? If so, please call 559-565-3117 or 760-873-2513
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
News release from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Oct 20, 2010  Missing Person Name: Stevan James Filips Height: 5' 8" Weight: 150 lbs. Age: 43 years old Hair: Brown hair Eyes: Brown Race: Caucasian Clothing: Last seen wearing black pants, black over blue jacket, gray scarf, black stocking cap, olive green undershirt, uses hiking poles Backpack: Desert Camouflage Camelback Tent/Sleeping Bag: Unknown if carrying Relevant Information: Hiking with two other individuals. Intended Itinerary: Stevan James Filips and his party intended to hike to Mount Whitney on 10/18/2010. The group departed the trailhead at 4:00 a.m. and planned to return the same evening. Have You Seen This Man or Have You Been in the Mount Whitney Area since 10/18/10? If so, please call 559-565-3117 or 760-873-2513.
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Re: Whitney search and rescue in progress
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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OP
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
News release from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Oct 20, 2010  Missing Person Name: Dale Clymens Height: 5' 8" Weight: 150 lbs. Age: 45 years old Hair: Brown hair, shoulder-length, goatee Eyes: Brown Race: Caucasian Clothing: Last seen wearing green cargo pants, black with gray trim jacket, blue stocking cap, blue undershirt, headlamp, using red hiking poles Backpack: Red Osprey backpack Tent & Sleeping Bag: Unknown if carrying Relevant Information: Hiking with two other individuals. Intended Itinerary: Dale Clymens and his party intended to hike to Mount Whitney on 10/18/2010. The group departed the trailhead at 4:00 a.m. and planned to return the same evening. Have You Seen This Man or Have You Been in the Mount Whitney Area Since 10/18/10? If so, please call 559-565-3117 or 760-873-2513.
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